Kuala Lumpur — Kuwait’s ambassador to Indonesia, Khaled Al-Yaseen, emphasized the importance of cultural programs in fostering moderation and tolerance during the opening of the Middle East Festival 2026 on Wednesday. The event, hosted by the University of Indonesia, aims to strengthen cultural and educational ties between Indonesia and Middle Eastern countries.

Speaking with KUNA, Ambassador Al-Yaseen highlighted Kuwait’s active role in the Arab cultural landscape, particularly through its support for arts, sciences, culture, scientific research, and publishing. He noted that Kuwait’s participation in the festival demonstrates its commitment to promoting dialogue between civilizations and enhancing mutual understanding among peoples.

“The embassy’s involvement reflects Kuwait’s vision of reinforcing the values of moderation and tolerance that are central to our society,” Al-Yaseen said. He further reiterated the importance of cultural exchange and people-to-people diplomacy as critical components of Kuwait’s foreign policy.

Indonesian Minister of Religious Affairs Nasaruddin Umar also addressed attendees, calling on students to deepen collaborations between Indonesia and Middle Eastern nations across various sectors such as education, culture, trade, and knowledge exchange. He commended the University of Indonesia’s Arabic Studies Program for its role in introducing Middle Eastern culture to Indonesian students and emphasized the need for ongoing cooperation to sustain cultural and humanitarian connections.

This year’s festival, organized under the theme “Light and Pride,” features a diverse lineup of cultural, academic, and youth-focused activities. It includes participation from several Arab embassies based in Jakarta, university professors, public figures, and a wide array of students, underscoring the festival’s role as a platform for strengthening intercultural dialogue.